Is this the end of GMRS Nets?

[WRVY977]

A buddy just sent this to me.  It’s a link to the FCC Website. Open the link. Scroll to the bottom and click on Operations.  Here is the text. Sounds to me like Nets are over!

https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

A GMRS licensee may use a combination of portable, mobile, fixed, and repeater stations consistent with the operational and technical rules in Subpart E of Part 95.  The use of some channels is restricted to certain types of stations.  In addition, certain channels are reserved for voice-only operations, while other channels allow voice and limited data operations.

None of the GMRS channels are assigned for the exclusive use of any system.  Licensees must cooperate in the selection and use of the channels under a “listen-before-talk” etiquette in order to use them most effectively and to reduce the possibility of interference. 

A GMRS user can expect a communications range of one to twenty-five miles depending on station class, terrain, and repeater use.  GMRS stations cannot be interconnected with the public switched telephone network or any other network for the purpose of carrying GMRS communications, but these networks can be used for remote control of repeater stations.  In other words, repeaters may not be linked via the internet—an example of an “other network” in the rules—to extend the range of the communications across a large geographic area.  Linking multiple repeaters to enable a repeater outside the communications range of the handheld or mobile device to retransmit messages violates sections 95.1733(a)(8) and 95.1749 of the Commission’s rules, and potentially other rules in 47 C.F.R.  Repeaters may be connected to the telephone network or other networks only for purposes of remote control of a GMRS station, not for carrying communication signals. 

In addition to violating Commission rules, linking repeaters is not in the public interest.  Because GMRS spectrum is limited and used on a shared “commons” basis, the service only works well on a localized basis when users can hear each other and cooperate in the sharing of channels.  Linking repeaters not only increases the potential for interference, but also uses up a limited spectrum resource over much larger areas than intended, limiting localized availability of the repeater channels.

GMRS and the Family Radio Service (FRS), which share many of the GMRS channels, are intended for individuals such as family members and friends, scouting troops, emergency response groups, and hobbyists to communicate with each other over short distances, directly or through a repeater station.  Linking repeaters, via the internet or other networks, undermines the purpose and usefulness of the GMRS and FRS. 

[WRKC935]

Already been posted in another thread. 

 

[WRXP381]

It’s always been this. It’s now just clarified for those that like to stretch the rules. However this is repeater linking not a “net”. Usually a “net” is where people join on a repeater or simplex to take roll and check equipment.    And yes this is now the second post about this exact thing and we have had many more over the last months.   

[WRVY977]

Sorry if this is a repost.  I just joined the forum.  I didn't see it posted.

That's not how I read it. Definitely open for interpretation but the key part I am seeing is this below. Pretty clear to me.  Time will tell.  Have a good one guys.

"In other words, repeaters may not be linked via the internet—an example of an “other network” in the rules—to extend the range of the communications across a large geographic area.  Linking multiple repeaters to enable a repeater outside the communications range of the handheld or mobile device to retransmit messages violates sections 95.1733(a)(8) and 95.1749 of the Commission’s rules, and potentially other rules in 47 C.F.R"L

[WRUU653]

2 hours ago, WRVY977 said:

Sounds to me like Nets are over

I guess it depends on how you define Nets? If you’re talking about linked repeaters it would seem so, however if you’re referring to a group getting together on a repeater to do a scheduled log in and discussion then no I don’t see that being an issue unless the system is linked.

[marcspaz]

 

 

[Raybestos]

1 hour ago, WRUU653 said:

I guess it depends on how you define Nets? If you’re talking about linked repeaters it would seem so, however if you’re referring to a group getting together on a repeater to do a scheduled log in and discussion then no I don’t see that being an issue unless the system is linked.

Exactly!  The only thing that should be affected are those long and pointless national and regional nets that seemingly drone on forever.

"Net control, this is WABC123 in Miami, checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill."

"Net Control, this is WDEF456 in Seattle checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill."

"Net Control, this is WGHI789 in New York checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill."

...and on, and on, and on, and, on...

If anyone really misses this so much, hopefully someone will record the last one and put it on a CD or similar.  On what would have been Net night and time each week, they can play it.  It will be pretty much the same info and informational value.

[JoCoBrian]

On 8/18/2024 at 2:48 PM, Raybestos said:

Exactly!  The only thing that should be affected are those long and pointless national and regional nets that seemingly drone on forever.

If anyone really misses this so much, hopefully someone will record the last one and put it on a CD or similar.  On what would have been Net night and time each week, they can play it.  It will be pretty much the same info and informational value.

The boring, endless monotony of Amateur Radio  and GMRS nets, is what keeps me away from nets.  I do join local severe weather nets, mainly as a listener, but the check in nets are just too mind numbing for me. 

[amaff]

2 hours ago, JoCoBrian said:

The boring, endless monotony of Amateur Radio  and GMRS nets, is what keeps me away from nets.  I do join local severe weather nets, mainly as a listener, but the check in nets are just too mind numbing for me. 

NGL, I tried when I started getting into this. I just couldn't.
"This? This is what y'all are doing with your weeknights?" I'm glad people enjoy it. It's not for me.

[WRUE951]

To the Linking idiots. With some guys having 20+ GMRS repeaters under their belt, can you imagine the hurt on their wallets.   And now these rogue linking operators will end up dealing with membership refund demands which is already starting..  I feel no remorse for these guys.   Who is the big winner coming out of this illegal activity..  EBay of course and i'm sure the HAMS will enjoy picking up some good deals on UHF repeater gear..   If you look on Ebay right now, it's already starting.   

[Lscott]

2 hours ago, JoCoBrian said:

The boring, endless monotony of Amateur Radio  and GMRS nets, is what keeps me away from nets.  I do join local severe weather nets, mainly as a listener, but the check in nets are just too mind numbing for me. 

If the net has a specific topic it could be interesting. For a while the original wide area local GMRS repeater held a "Prepper's Net" on a Tuesday night once or twice a month at 7PM. They stopped because a few had an issue with it, and some infrequent jamming I believe. Some of the topics were informative when the net was active.

[Lscott]

1 minute ago, WRUE951 said:

EBay of course and i'm sure the HAMS will enjoy picking up some good deals on UHF repeater gear..   If you look on Ebay right now, it's already starting.  

Given the frequent questions about people wanting to setup their own private repeater maybe now is a good time to go shopping for equipment.

[WRUU653]

1 hour ago, Lscott said:

If the net has a specific topic it could be interesting

This ^^^

There is a Net the PAPA system does on outdoor activities where they pick a new subject each time. Fun to listen to even when it’s a subject that isn’t in my realm. 

[JoCoBrian]

6 hours ago, amaff said:

NGL, I tried when I started getting into this. I just couldn't.
"This? This is what y'all are doing with your weeknights?" I'm glad people enjoy it. It's not for me.

Oh yeah...I'm ok with others enjoying the nets.  It's a big giant hobby with a million things to do.  

[JoCoBrian]

5 hours ago, Lscott said:

If the net has a specific topic it could be interesting. For a while the original wide area local GMRS repeater held a "Prepper's Net" on a Tuesday night once or twice a month at 7PM. They stopped because a few had an issue with it, and some infrequent jamming I believe. Some of the topics were informative when the net was active.

But but...a net with a focused topic, on a wide area system, is going to draw those that will get pissy about you enjoying your hobby in a different way than they do.  The wider the net, the more the karens come out of the woodwork.  A prepper net huh?  I might have tuned in to that to listen for the sheer comedic value. 

[SteveShannon]

51 minutes ago, JoCoBrian said:

But but...a net with a focused topic, on a wide area system, is going to draw those that will get pissy about you enjoying your hobby in a different way than they do.  The wider the net, the more the karens come out of the woodwork.  A prepper net huh?  I might have tuned in to that to listen for the sheer comedic value. 

Yeah, no matter what you do some people will complain. 

[WRYZ926]

We do a net on our GMRS repeater. We use to do it every Tuesday night right after our 2m net but have since cut the GMRS net back to once a month.

We decided right away not to link our GMRS repeater at all. We do have an Allstar node on our 2m repeater that gets used occasionally.

The rule clarifications on linking GMRS repeaters shouldn't have much of an impact on actual nets in my opinion.

I participate in several 2m nets every week. It is nice to know which repeaters I can reach and to know how far I can get out on the simplex nets. It's a good way to test your equipment. And for those that don't care for nets, they can always change the channel/frequency.

As others have said, there is enough different things one can do with GMRS and amateur radio that there is something for everyone.

[JoCoBrian]

On 8/18/2024 at 2:48 PM, Raybestos said:

Exactly!  The only thing that should be affected are those long and pointless national and regional nets that seemingly drone on forever.

"Net control, this is WABC123 in Miami, checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill."

"Net Control, this is WDEF456 in Seattle checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill."

"Net Control, this is WGHI789 in New York checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill."

...and on, and on, and on, and, on...

 

"Net control, this is WABC123 in Miami, checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill. Negative Traffic" 

What is negative traffic? 

 

[UncleYoda]

11 minutes ago, JoCoBrian said:

What is negative traffic?

Negative = no or none

Traffic = messages to pass

[Lscott]

18 hours ago, JoCoBrian said:

A prepper net huh?  I might have tuned in to that to listen for the sheer comedic value. 

Nothing radical was discussed. More along the lines of what kind of food stuffs are good for long term storage, emergency power, go-bags etc. Nothing about guns or crazy government conspiracies.

[Guest]

15 hours ago, JoCoBrian said:

"Net control, this is WABC123 in Miami, checking in.  Thanks for calling the Net, Bill. Negative Traffic" 

What is negative traffic? 

 

In days of yore, actual messages would be relayed during these traffic nets (ARRL - American Radio RELAY League) however, these days those types of  nets may as well relabel themselves the "Statewide No Traffic Net" or "Local No Traffic Net"...their usefulness has waned.

 

Some nets do have relevant "Topics of the week" though, and those I find to be useful to listen in on if they are discussing something technical/radio related. OH and trivia night can be fun too!

[JoCoBrian]

Net control I am fully destinated and have negative traffic...

[JoCoBrian]

6 hours ago, Lscott said:

Nothing radical was discussed. More along the lines of what kind of food stuffs are good for long term storage, emergency power, go-bags etc. Nothing about guns or crazy government conspiracies.

Well shoot.  That's the GOOD stuff.  

[amaff]

"I have negative traffic: This net is bad and you should feel bad."
 

[Lscott]

5 hours ago, JoCoBrian said:

Well shoot.  That's the GOOD stuff.  

Maybe you could start one by you and announce one of those touchy topics as the focus.